Developing novel drug combinations to co-target pancreatic cancer and its supporting stroma
Dr HM Kocher
Co-Supervisor:
A graduate with an interest in cancer biology, with at least an upper second class honours degree, is required for this project involving the close collaboration of academia and industry and supported by the EPSRC and the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund http://www.pcrf.org.uk/. The project will commence before September 2012 and has funding for 3.5 years. The student will be based primarily at Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Charterhouse Square in London, but will also study with our industry partner Celgene Inc. Chemotherapy with gemcitabine is the standard of care for pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine targets pancreatic cancer cells and does not modulate the surrounding stroma in the solid tumour mass. Recent data suggest that co-targeting stroma and pancreatic cancer may prove synergistic. For example, we have shown that stellate cell behaviour and phenotype can be changed using all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). This subsequently affects the behaviour of the cancer cells by paracrine signalling. Others have shown that drug delivery was improved by enhancing angiogenesis through modulating tumour-associated fibroblasts via selective targeted inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway. This proposal is designed to investigate pre-clinically the possibility that co-targeting stromal elements with pleiotropic agents may engineer a sustained detrimental impact upon tumour behavior. Proof of principle will be established in physiologically relevant, high-throughput model systems such as organotypic cultures to shorten the discovery phase and help lead to clinical trials based on this novel rationale.
The Barts Cancer Institute, ranked 5th in the country in RAE2008, has numerous outstanding researchers and facilities (state of the art microscopy and FACS suite, molecular pathology services, Genome Centre). In particular, the Centre for Tumour Biology represents an outstanding collaborative environment in which to conduct this research. There is established expertise in organotypic model systems for pancreatic, breast and skin cancers). All facilities required for modern cellular and molecular biology techniques are available. Furthermore, the Centre has a proven record of publishing top quality research in the leading journals, interaction with industry, interactive laboratory meetings and journal clubs. Overall the atmosphere is one that fosters collaboration and communication between groups, resulting in an enjoyable and productive working environment.
For an informal discussion, please contact the lead project supervisor:
Mr HM Kocher; e-mail to:h.kocher@qmul.ac.uk; telephone: 0207 882 3579.
Funding Notes:
This studentship is funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council with a minimum tax-free stipend of £15,590 per annum. This studentship is open to UK and EU Nationals, EEA/Swiss migrant workers and non-EU nationals with indefinite leave to remain in the UK. All applicants must have three years ordinary residence in the UK prior to the start of the studentship.
see eligibility: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/students/Pages/eligibility.aspx
Interviews will be held week commencing 9th January 2012
References:
To apply please see website:
http://www.bci.qmul.ac.uk/study-with-us/case-phd-2012.html
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